It was my birthday and you know I was going to drink something sparkling so I headed to see my Seattle pal (we worked together at Bottlehouse for years) Carson at Scampi. He started me off with a glass of Murgo Brut Rosé (2015).
First let me begin by saying the wine list at Scampi is really fantastic. As a solo diner, I explored the by-the-glass selections. I took a mini-Sicilian tour starting with this rosé, diving into a white wine made from Carricante (Mt. Etna), and finishing up with a red blend.
Murgo Brut Rosé 2015
Yes, I know. I am not drinking this out of a Champagne flute. Rather a fancy Zalto glass. This sparkling rosé is 100% Nerello Mascalese, a grape you’ll find in reds from the Mount Etna region of Sicily. (The still red wines are fantastic, too.) The first thing to notice about this wine is the color. This is no pale pink sparkling rosé. It has some meat on the bone and is very savory and complex. But it doesn’t lack for refreshment. It was really great with the mackerel crudo, a rich, meaty fish. That is a pairing I suggest, any heartier seafood. But really, the Murgo Brut Rosé, can handle everything from grilled vegetables to a meaty burger.
Wine-Searcher has it listed for an average price of $19, which makes it a screaming deal.
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Also a quick shout-out to the Mortellito Calaniuru. It’s a blend of Frappato and Nero d’Avola, like a Cerasuolo di Vittoria but not from that designated wine region. The label is killer and so was the wine.
I am disappointed—you did not mention how fun Nerello Mascalese is to say in a pseudo-Italian accent. Shame on you. 😉
Jeff,
Send me some audio and I’ll happily embed.
Jameson